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Lifecycle Challenge 2014

Lifecycle Challenge 2014

And we are off! The 16th Actavis LifeCycle Challenge is underway, with 22 cyclists trying to complete a 2,000km endurance test from Fukuoka to Tokyo, to raise money for the Renal Unit at Mater Dei and to raise awareness about kidney disease, its treatment and its prevention.
Follow our progress every day as the cyclists pedal for at least eight hours every day up steep mountains and through busy towns, sleeping on the floor in gymnasiums and schools.
Give us your moral support by following the challenge and donate to this amazing cause!
www.lifecyclechallenge.com

Saturday, September 20, 2014, 08:32 by

Lifecycle Challenge 2014

The sun was setting and the lights were coming on in the Tokyo telecoms tower that is a landmark on Tokyo's horizon.
About a dozen people were exercising their dogs on the grass, and a few joggers went past with earphones plugged in. Besides them,...

Lifecycle Challenge 2014

We are on our way to Tokyo!
The cyclist that had to drop out because of bike problems has borrowed the bike belonging to the injured one so 21 should be crossing the finish line some time this afternoon, although only 20 are still in the...

Lifecycle Challenge 2014

Yesterday was one of those days when you go to bed swearing that this is your last Lifecycle. Never again, you promise. We were up at 4am to be able to leave at 6am. Well, that was the theory anyway.
The reality was that most of the sleeping bag...

Lifecycle Challenge 2014

The Actavis LifeCycle Challenge is turning into one of the hardest ever, with a route that is as treacherous as it is beautiful. The last cyclist arrived at the accommodation after 1am, having cycled since 7am that morning, and at 11pm, there were...

Lifecycle Challenge 2014

The GPS was directing us off the well-lit main road onto a dark side road, disappearing into the distance. There were a few scattered houses but it seemed a most unlikely place for a town sports centre. The road weaved left and right and...

Lifecycle Challenge 2014

When you are on the road for so many hours, covering such a distance, there are so many things you notice that are unique to this country.
Telegraph poles
Because of frequent earthquake, all the wires run overhead. This means poles every 100m or...

Lifecycle Challenge 2014

It's turning into one of those days.
The usual spills - fortunately no serious injuries - and a broken spoke: all are enough to disrupt the plan. One cyclist is hours behind while another has lost an hour already. And it is only 3pm, with another...

Lifecycle Challenge 2014

Wednesday - day 1 of the challenge.
Our Japanese mentor Rei Shiratori and the councillor of Fukuoka turned up with a few reporters this morning, waving Maltese and Japanese flags, ready to send off the team.
For hours, the car park by the Fukuoka...

Lifecycle Challenge 2014

Wednesday - day 1 of challenge.
It will be dark for a few more hours but we've been up for an hour already.
We are waiting to be picked up by the truck as we girls were in separate accommodation.
The four cyclists have to assemble their bikes...

Lifecycle Challenge 2014

It is hard to believe that 17 weeks have passed since training started. This has been one of the most challenging LifeCycle editions to put together. Our main sponsor Actavis was keen for us to go to Japan but finding free accommodation and...